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Baylor lands a verbal commitment from 6-8 forward Johnathan Motley

NCAA Basketball Tournament - Xavier v Baylor

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 23: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears reacts in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers during the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball South Regional Semifinal game at the Georgia Dome on March 23, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Baylor received its verbal commitment in the 2013 class on Wednesday night, as 6-8 forward Johnathan Motley committed to the school as reported by Jim Hicks of RCS Sports.

During the Scott Drew era at Baylor the Bears have churned out an impressive line of front court talent and while not as ballyhooed as players such as Isaiah Austin and Quincy Miller, Motley has the potential to have an impact at the next level.

There will be some work to be done in the weight room but that’s the case for many young front court players.

Motley, who plays at North Shore High in Houston, displayed the ability to do a variety of things on the floor at both ends and the combination of athleticism and length have served him well to this point.

Motley’s being AAU teammates of Aaron and Andrew Harrison (Houston Defenders) apparently didn’t have an impact on the twins’ thought process, as this happened on Thursday afternoon:

As for what Baylor could have in the front court in 2013, a lot of that will likely depend on what happens this season.

Austin is a talented player that Draft Express has going 6th in the 2013 NBA Draft, and the expectation is that he’ll be able to go pro after one season.

Rico Gathers, Taurean Prince and Chad Rykhoek are also members of the freshman class in the front court, and forward Cory Jefferson will be a senior when 2013 rolls around with J’Mison Morgan being their lone departure.

Motley’s commitment means another long-armed player that Drew can use in a defense that’s helped the Bears reach the Elite 8 twice in the last three years.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.